Obituary of Edwin Henry John

Edwin Henry John, 96, of Morgantown passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He was born September 20, 1928, a son of the late Elfyn and Margaret (Mehlinger) John. Edwin was a Morgantown businessman who owned and operated Coburn Dental Laboratories for over 50 years beginning in 1961. Prior to his business endeavors, Edwin joined the United States Marine Corps working as a Radar Operator and achieved the rank of Corporal during World War II. He was a proud Marine who honorably served, not only in active duty, but also as an ambassador of the Marine Corps everywhere he went. He loved wearing his Marine Corps hat and was often the beneficiary of a paid meal in a local restaurant or simply a "thank you for your service" and other expressions of appreciation. At one time, Edwin was the oldest living marine in West Virginia and served as parade marshal in the 2019 Veteran's Day parade. He was kind, friendly, educated, well organized, and highly skilled with his hands. He loved to make breakfast for others, but his personal favorite was oatmeal. He also loved talking with folks everywhere he went. He never met a stranger, especially on league night at the local bowling alley where proudly served as the manager of the Freemason bowling league as member of the Freemasons. Edwin also served as a charter member of the Marine Corps League, Earl Anderson Detachment 342, since 1976. Edwin is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Dorothy John; daughters, Sue Dalton (Gilbert), Kim Swaney; son-in-law, George Duffer (Cathy); grandchildren, Michelle (Duffer) Umble (Grant), Greg Duffer (Jennifer), Kelly Kreisler (Scott Koertner), John Dalton (Brandy), Todd Swaney (Randall Barber); great-grandchildren, Harrison Umble, Sierra Umble, Tyler Dalton, Alexia Dalton, AJ Dalton, Ade Dalton, Alex Dalton, Jules Dalton, Zach Kreisler, Josh Kreisler, Abby Kreisler, and Jude Koertner; sister, Joretta Lamb; and nephew, Doug Lamb. He was outnumbered by all the women in his house but was always the rock of the family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his parents, Edwin was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Jeannine Duffer; grandson, Matthew Duffer; and son-in-law, Tom Swaney. A private service will be held at Hastings Funeral Home with interment to follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com